The authors that would most agree with me

Barry Boyce and Bell Hooks are the two authors that re-enforced my opinion on what should change in the k-12 school system. Bell Hooks talks about the importance of critical thinking within the classroom. Like Hooks, I believe this is a critical component that should be added to the current curriculum. Hooks talks about how children are natural born thinkers, but because educators today teach only for conformity and obedience, children are often robbed of their natural curiosity throughout their schooling. By encouraging students to engage in the process of critical thinking they would not only re-store their will to think, but learn to open their minds to many different viewpoints, not just their own or their teachers. They would be able to look at issues and questions from different angles and think in depth about their opinions. A highpoint to this idea is that it involves the participation of everybody in the class. This allows for students to have a sense of community within the classroom, unlike now where 99% of the time it is just the same sequence of sit, and listen. Hooks proposes the teaching method of “Engaged Pedagogy”. This strategy would allow a strong teacher/student relationship. The teacher would no longer have the sole leadership role, but instead work cooperatively with the students, ensuring everyone is contributing to the learning process. Children and teenagers are perfectly capable of thinking critically. We just need to give them the chance.

Barry Boyce proposes the concept of “mindfulness” should be taught in the classroom. Mindfulness helps students, teachers, and parents gain the ethical characteristics needed to live in the world today. It can increase the awareness of emotions, and aid in the ability to regulate them. Mindfulness focuses on one’s ability to be kind, caring, and empathetic towards others. It helps a person de-center from their own view so they can listen deeply to others. He talks about “non-attachment” which is the ability to understand the depth of what is happening around you, but not get caught-up or overwhelmed by it. This can be accomplished through activities like meditation and yoga. The reason I think this is important is because children and teenagers could greatly benefit from knowing how to keep themselves calm and collected. More importantly, they would learn ways in which to be less selfish, and more empathetic and open-minded towards others. Mindfulness is in the field of prevention which as Mark Greenberg says “aims to avert school failure, depression, and extreme aggression, but to promote positive qualities like empathy, citizenship, and strong friendships.” If we can fully engage students in the process of mindfulness, school would become a more relaxing, enjoyable environment.